So, you're finally getting around to planning that trip to Europe, or you're signing up with the Peace Corps...  And you're naturally excited about your trip! But do you know if your health insurance will cover you outside the U.S.?  Whether it's a short trip, or an extended stay, we can help you find coverage to suit your needs.  Coverage Without Borders options include for: Trip Cancellation Programs Sky Rescue (emergency air evacuations world-wide) Patriot Extreme (for the adventurous international traveler, including coverage for specific dangerous athletic activities that are normally excluded) Exchange Program Group Plan Patriot International (for travel of 5 days up to 2 years) Global Medical (with broad coverages up to the lifetime maximum, for trips longer than 2 years in duration) Global Basic (with scheduled coverages up to per occurance/daily limits, for trips longer than 2 years in duration) Get a quote today! https://www.imglobal.com/travelinsurance/index.cfm?IMGAC=224027 ...read more

While our offices are, by choice, located in a small town in southwest Virginia, we have expanded to serving clients throughout the mid-Atlantic region with the same old-fashioned service that our friends and neighbors have come to appreciate during our 32 year history. We are currently licensed to do business in 10 states (listed below) and continue expanding, as necessary, to meet the needs of our clients: Georgia Kentucky Maryland North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia ...read more

Actually, we're glad you asked! Health Savings Accounts are one of your best options for saving money where your health care costs are concerned.  You're probably aware that Health Savings Accounts are associated with high-deductible insurance plans, but did you know that not all high-deductible plans are eligible for an HSA?  And here's why:  the HSA-compatible plans do not provide coverage for anything until you reach the plan deductible, whereas most traditional plans (even if you choose a high-deductible option) will still provide coverage for prescription drugs and/or copayments for doctor's visits before meeting the deductible. Now, before you get too worked up about that high deductible, keep in mind that you would still be eligible for network discounts if you're using a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Health Management Organization (HMO) plan.  And these network discounts can be significant. If you're shopping for health insurance, here are a few pointers to keep in mind when comparing traditional plans to HSA-compatible plans: Traditional plans typically have a SINGLE deductible (which would have to be doubled for a FAMILY deductible) while HSA-compatible plans typically offer a FAMILY deductible.  For this reason, it is sometimes less expensive to buy an HSA-compatible plan with a $3,000 family deductible than a traditional plan with a $1,500 single deductible.  ALWAYS ask if the deductible shown is SINGLE, or FAMILY if you're insuring more than one person. Traditional plans typically cover prescription drugs without involving your annual deductible (though they may sometimes have a separate deductible specifically for prescription drugs); HSA-compatible plans, by law, are not allowed to cover prescriptions before meeting your deductible. Under IRS guidelines, you may be eligible to take the amount of your health insurance premiums, and other health expenses off of your taxes.  If you're using an HSA, the money you put into it (up to the annual maximum allowed by the IRS) goes in tax-free and, as long as you're paying for health expenses (as defined by the IRS), it also comes out tax-free.  (You can find more info on the IRS web site: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p969/index.html ) In the end, even if you really wish you had a lower deductible option, you're still far better off with a high-deductible plan than being uninsured.  The uninsured end up paying the highest rates for health care, because there's no one to negotiate for them.    Please contact us to schedule an appointment if you'd like to discuss the options available for you! ...read more